Vinyl/ Waterproof Flooring...
...is 100% plastic. This means: Superior resistance to moisture. You could submerge vinyl flooring in water for days, with no ill effect. The hottest new thing on the flooring market is waterproof flooring.
Kids, pets, parties and other spill inducing scenarios can be a nightmare, however, waterproof flooring is a solution that can help you rest at ease.
WPC vinyl is the hottest new thing to arrive in the vinyl market in years. We know what you are thinking – “what the heck is WPC?” other than Wow Pretty Cool. There are a couple legitimate meanings for the acronym WPC. WPC can mean Wood Plastic Composite as well as Waterproof Core. The latter is easier to remember.
Features: Forget the ugly vinyl tiles of the past. Plank shapes that are long and narrow, mimicking real wood boards; "click" joinery, allowing adjoining boards to snap together; and improved embossing techniques, vinyl flooring is gaining in popularity once again.
Vinyl flooring in bathrooms, laminate flooring everywhere else.
Full Bathrooms: pick vinyl flooring because it matches laminate in cost, looks, and DIY-friendly installation.
But the real deciding factor is moisture. Vinyl flooring decidedly beats laminate in its performance in wet places. Even in better homes where you would not expect to find vinyl flooring, exceptions are made for bathrooms. It is understood that in these spaces, water-shedding coverings like vinyl flooring or porcelain tile will be used.
All Other Rooms: laminate flooring provides better looks and greater comfort.
Kitchen and Powder Rooms: Kitchens and guest bathrooms (i.e., powder rooms that have no bathing facilities), you do not expect water to pool on the floor. However, some key areas, such as around the sink and dishwasher, can experience enough water to cause laminate to swell up over time.
It is impossible to beat vinyl flooring in the area of moisture resistance.
Sheet vinyl flooring is 100% impervious to moisture, even standing water, because it can have as few as zero seams. Thus, vinyl can be installed in any room of the house. Vinyl is one of the few types of flooring that you can call truly water-proof, not just water-resistant.
Laminate is only moderately water-resistant and is not recommended for bathrooms or basements that experience even the slightest moisture infiltration.
Vinyl flooring, if installed directly on a sub-floor or concrete and is glued down, is hard and cold.
Because laminate is thicker than vinyl and incorporates wood content, it is easier to walk on and warmer to the touch than vinyl. Introducing foam under-layment adds even more comfort to laminate.
Just like anything in life, you typically get what you pay for. Waterproof vinyl planks do tend to come at a higher price. Remember, you are paying for higher quality and versatility when it comes to where you can install it.